This is the easiest foolproof method for making crispy tater tots in the air fryer – serve them with my delicious homemade dipping sauce!
I'm so obsessed with tater tots, I can't keep a bag on hand in the house or I eat them all! Especially when they're made much easier and crispier in the air fryer.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Super easy method: It's a foolproof way to make the crispiest tater tots.
- Healthier option: You don't have to worry about the extra calories and fat from deep frying.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Frozen tater tots – any store-bought frozen tater tots will work.
- Cooking spray – you can leave this out, but it makes them extra crispy.
Bonus dipping sauce
- Mayo – use a low-fat mayo or non-fat sour cream to cut down on the calories.
- Ketchup – to cut down on sugar, go for a corn syrup-free version.
- BBQ sauce – use your favourite store-bought variety.
- Dijon mustard – stone-ground or yellow mustard will provide a similar flavor.
- Hot sauce – leave this out if you don’t like spice.
How to make tater tots in the air fryer
Step 1: Spray the tater tots.
Coat the tater tots in cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the tater tots.
Cook in the preheated air fryer.
Step 3: Make the sauce.
Mix the sauce ingredients together.
Step 4: Shake the basket.
Shake the basket every 5 mins while cooking, then serve with sauce.
Recipe tips
Here are my top tips for making tater tots in the air fryer:
- Don't skip the spray: It'll keep them from sticking, and will make them extra crispy.
- Shake the basket: This will ensure they all cook evenly.
- Cook in batches: If you're making a big portion, cook the tater tots in batches.
- Add some spices: Paprika, garlic powder or taco seasoning will add extra flavour.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook tater tots for in the air fryer?
Cook frozen tater tots in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit.
Do you need to defrost them first?
No, you should cook them directly from frozen.
Do you have to flip them?
You don’t have to flip them, but you should shake the basket every 5 minutes to make sure they’re cooking evenly.
Why are they falling apart?
If they're falling apart, you might be tossing the basket too roughly. Make sure you're tossing it gently.
Serving suggestions
Here are some different ways to serve these tater tots:
- Dipping sauces: Homemade ranch, Chick-Fil-A sauce, Big Mac sauce or honey mustard would all be good.
- As a side dish: Serve them on the side with burgers, sandwiches or wraps.
- Tater tot nachos: Use them to make loaded tater tot nachos.
Storing and reheating
Storing: Store the leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven for 10 mins at 350°, or in the air fryer for 5 mins at 375° F.
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls to pack up any leftovers you may have.
- I own and love the Philips Digital Airfryer XXL.
Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 (800g) bag frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray
- Salt, to taste
Bonus dipping sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400 F. Coat tater tots in a little bit of cooking spray, then season with salt. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix dipping sauce ingredients together if serving.
- Remove tater tots from the Air Fryer, then serve and enjoy!
Video
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